"You will be able to donate blood if you visit any of our hundreds of Mandela Day sites around South Africa," says Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager at SANBS.
Mandela Day has been celebrated every year since 2010. In 2009, on former President Mandela's birthday, the United Nations declared 18 July to be Nelson Mandela International Day.
"By donating a unit of blood every eight weeks, blood donors are able to live up to the ideal of Mandela Day by performing voluntary service throughout the year," adds Mlambo. “And every time they do, they are potentially saving the lives of three people. What better way to honour the life and service of Nelson Mandela?"
"If you want to make a difference on Mandela Day and you don’t know how, or you’re already doing something but you’d like to do more, visit one of our donation sites. A donation is quick and easy – and it’s a lifesaver," concludes Mlambo.
As its commitment to Mandela Day, the SANBS will be hosting blood donation sites at hundreds of locations all over South Africa.
You can find out where your nearest donation site is by contacting [email protected] or by visiting the SANBS website.